De acteur Nakamura Utaemon in de rol van Kumagai no Jiro Naozane. 1825

Editor: Here we have Shunkōsai Hokushū's woodblock print from 1825, "The actor Nakamura Utaemon in the role of Kumagai no Jiro Naozane." The actor's intense expression is what really strikes me. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, beyond the actor’s emotive portrayal, let's consider the social and historical context of Kabuki theatre in 19th-century Japan. Kabuki wasn't just entertainment; it was a space for social commentary and sometimes, even veiled political critique. Editor: Political critique through theatre? That’s fascinating! Curator: Absolutely! Now, consider the role depicted, Kumagai no Jiro Naozane, a samurai. How might portraying such a figure onstage allow for exploring themes of power, duty, or even questioning the samurai class's role in society? Also, who had access to such venues and what could this portrait represent in their social milieu? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it like that. The exaggerated expression could be a form of caricature, perhaps amplifying certain traits or behaviors for the audience to reflect on? Curator: Precisely. Ukiyo-e prints like this one, circulating amongst the urban population, facilitated wider engagement with these theatrical performances and their underlying narratives. What stories were being shared? Editor: So, it’s not just about the individual actor, but about the social and political narratives the artwork represents. This makes me think differently about art's role in society at that time. Curator: Indeed! The image is like a window into the past, where theatre, art, and society were in constant conversation, reflecting and refracting each other. Editor: Thank you, that gives me so much more to consider.